Oklahoma Football: 4 Takeaways from loss to Iowa State

3. Iowa State might be okay without Jacob Park

On the eve of the Cyclones biggest game of the season the news came out that Iowa State starting quarterback Jacob Park would not play against Oklahoma in Week 6. Not only was Park ruled out for Saturday due to “undisclosed medical issues”, there is no time table set for his return.

Park was the heart and soul of this Iowa State team and the rest of the quarterbacks on their roster had a combined one attempted pass this season entering Week 6. Kyle Kempt drew the start. A road game in Norman was going to be incredibly challenging with a full complement of players. Losing Park was a big blow, but you could hardly tell on Saturday.

Kempt led an Iowa State touchdown drive to cap off the third quarter. A two-point conversion pass from Kept to star receiver Allen Lazard tied the game, 24-24. ISU wasn’t able to hang on, but Kempt’s 18-for-24 for 343 yards and three touchdown performance was extremely encouraging. Of course, it helps when you have Allen Lazard doing things like this:

The Cyclones were picked to finish near the bottom of the Big 12 this season. While they lack the depth of teams like Oklahoma, Texas and even Kansas State, ISU has proven they have taken a step forward from last season. That step is largely dependent on the offense, led by Park. With Park sidelined, it looks like Kempt might be able to keep the Clones relevant, and that’s a big statement in itself.